Norma Jane Ritchey

Norma Jane Ritchey, 88, of Lancaster, PA, went home to meet the Lord surrounded by light and love on August 22, 2026.

Born November 9, 1937, in Dudley, PA, she was the daughter of the late Earl E. and Verna I. (Mullen) Leighty. She attended Saxton-Liberty High School in Saxton, PA. Norma told stories of her childhood and the adventures she had with her best friend. She spoke often of her special bond with her grandmother and always stressed the importance of family.

Norma met and married the love of her life, David W Ritchey, when she was just 16 on November 17, 1953. They spent 54 wonderful years until his death in November 2008.

During her life, she worked for the former Hess’ Department Store, Hamilton Watch, and various sales “call girl (telemarketer) positions until her retirement.

Norma loved to bake and was famous for her pie crust and her even more famous fudge.

She quickly became everyone’s favorite, “Nanny.”

She was the beloved mother of two daughters, Brenda L. Ritchey of Lancaster, PA, and Bernadette Heckard (Robert) of North Carolina. Norma and David opened their home to countless foster children over the years. Her love of children stood the test of time. She was the kindest and most generous soul you would ever meet.

She was the Nanny of 7 grandchildren: Krystal Dougherty (Jason) of Manheim, April Wanner (Charles) of South Carolina, Helen Deverter (David) of Lancaster, Heather Garcia (Danny) of Columbia, Sarah D’Urso (Nick) of NC, Cynthia Heckard of NC, and Lucas Garcia of Columbia.

She had 11 great-grandchildren: Jennifer Bowman (Joshua), Tyler Dougherty (Jazmine), Jason Dougherty Jr. (Cailey Hoover), Hailey Jane Dougherty, Carter Deverter, Christian Saez, Daniel and Jonathan Garcia, Victor A. Saez, and Charlie and Kaleb Wanner.

10 great great-grandchildren, including Renee Bowman, Marabella, and Hayden Dougherty.

Brother in Laws, Charles and Glenn (Diane)Ritchey and numerous nieces and nephews. And her Best Friend Nancy McGuigan.

Besides her husband David, she was predeceased by a daughter, Cynthia Ann Ritchey; 2 sisters, Mabel Hunsaker/ and Anna Everhart; and 4 brothers, Roy, Glenn, Willard, and Marl Leighty.

She was loved by many and adored by her family.

She will be dearly missed.

We invite you to celebrate Norma by wearing purple.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster. PA. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 10-11AM at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma’ s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the church. Address for the Celebration of Life Dinner is:maps.google.com/maps?cid=3642368267573062110 This will take place on the same day, from 4-11pm.